| The current building has more than served its purpose. It's time to update our facilities, not just for the future of our children, but for the future of this community. ~ Lisa Kirchhoff |
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| I am voting YES because the youth of Brandon, Independence, and Rowley deserve a new school to re-establish community pride and to help make these communities a force academically and athletically once again. Not only would the project get young people and families to move back to the area, but it would also allow students to receive a better education in an up-to-date facility. This is something our school district has been lacking for quite some time. My family and I recently moved back to the area and we are planning on living here for many years to come. We recognize the potential our community has and hope that others will do the same. Passing the upcoming bond issue is an opportunity our school district cannot afford to miss. ~ Brad Kegler |
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| I just wanted to say thank you so much to Keith, Brian Eddy, & Jean Peterson for presenting the Build for the Future information to the Brandon Community last night. Travis & I went into this meeting undecided. We had talked to different people in the community and were not getting clear answers to our questions, only hear-say. Last night all of our questions were answered in a very professional, positive way. It means a lot that you made time to come to Brandon to help us be involved. That alone shows me that the Independence School District is headed in the right direction. When we were in school it seemed like there wasn't as much outreach to our community.
Thanks to your information, you will have two more Yes votes on September 13th.
Thanks again!
~ Erin Cornwell |
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| As a parent, I strive daily to make sure that my children are safe when they're with me and at home. I should not have to feel anxiety by sending them to the current school, in its condition with unsecure entrances and learning spaces that do not meet current fire code regulations. We must invest in a new school for not only the safety of our children, but for our peace-of-mind. ~ Kathy Smith |
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| Life is about education. It must be a life long committment. And yes, the learning facility makes a difference. Pleasant surroundings and good materials boost learning. As a community member I'm looking forward to a comfortable, attractive auditorium to showcase Independence talent and bring in professionals. Vote yes! ~ Phyllis Davis |
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| It's very exciting to see the outpouring of enthusiasm, knowledge, and expertise being shared by so many community members toward such a vital investment in the future of our school district. This community driven Jr./Sr. High School plan is an investment in our academic, athletic, and fine arts facilities for the next 75+ years. This is yet another step in making the communities within our school district great places with endless opportunities. ~ Keith Donnelly |
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| After growing up and living in Independence my whole life, seeing the community getting a new school will give me a great reason to return to Independence and teach, coach and start a family after college. ~Adam Ownby |
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| Things have really changed since we attended school, yet our current Jr.-Sr. High School building looks about the same as when we were there. We need to move into the 21st century or get left behind. ~Zach & Julie Osborne |
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| It had always been time for a new facility. The district made a mistake those decades ago when instead of rebuilding a high school, they shuffled students into the current facility built as a junior high and built a new middle school instead. This means that from Day 1, our current Junior/Senior High School building was not the right fit for a high school. Now it is time to make right the mistakes of the past. As I see more and more high school facilities in Northeast Iowa, my heart sinks to think what we could do for our children in this community. ~Sue Henkes |
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| I want a new school that I can have pride in. It’s embarrassing to be known for having the worst school in the conference. At pre-game and half time of athletic events, we have to sit in the hallways for our talks because the other team is in our locker room. My academic experience would be improved if all of the classrooms were in one building, instead of having to run out to the science barn or annex. A new school would improve the academic and athletic experience for all students. ~ Steph McMillan |
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| A new school for Independence would be great to come back to and have a nice place to work out. Plus, then I'd know my brother wouldn't have to share classrooms with other classes and he wouldn't be getting distracted as easily. ~ Austin Ciesielski |
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| In our current science learning environment, we’ve encountered many hindrances. We’ve dealt with mold in the classrooms as well as less room for labs. The classrooms are so cramped and unsuitable for learning. A new school would create a more positive atmosphere and the students would be better able to excel. Not to mention, the packed classrooms are a major fire hazard. ~ Sherokee Eder |
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If we had a new school, the classrooms would be bigger. That would allow room for the students and more supplies. Our school now is not very orderly which makes it hard to focus on our school work. A new school would provide a better learning environment. That would also mean a new library. If we had a new library, more students would want to use it. |
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| I'm voting yes because our children deserve the best we can give them. They are the future and we have an opportunity to provide them with a facility that we all can be proud of. ~ Michael Doyle |
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| People like good-looking things. Every morning students wake up and say, “Great, same boring building, different day!” If school was a place we, as students, could be proud of, we would look forward to it. If people are proud of school, they will be excited to be here. Attendance would rise and so would grades! New technology and resources would be a great asset to our learning/teaching environment! Again, people like pretty things. ~ Aksha Upadhyay |
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| My wife and I have moved back from St. Paul to be closer to family. For the time being we're living in Indee, but our plan is to eventually move to Cedar Falls, for the schools. But if Indee schools would improve dramatically, we would seriously consider staying here.” ~ Tyler Rasmussen |
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| My piano services have allowed me the privilege to visit many schools in the area. I've seen the facilities and auditoriums some of these schools offer. Simply put, Independence is well beyond needing a new high school. The Build for the Future team has put together a great plan and I support the direction they are going.
~ Jim Tegtmeier |
